Joe Pyfer secured a win at UFC Vegas 80 by submitting Abdul Razak Alhassan with an arm-triangle choke, despite some confusion over whether Alhassan tapped or not.
Joe Pyfer showcased his dominance at UFC Vegas 80 by securing his third consecutive victory in the octagon. He faced off against middleweight veteran Abdul Razak Alhassan and secured a win with an arm-triangle choke submission. The submission not only forced Alhassan to tap out but also rendered him unconscious, leaving Pyfer with no choice but to maintain the hold until the referee intervened.
During the fight-ending sequence, there was some confusion as Alhassan attempted to make a tapping gesture with his fist instead of the flat of his hand. This ambiguity made it uncertain whether he was signaling his submission or trying to free himself. Referee Mark Smith asked Alhassan if he intended to tap, but the fighter lost consciousness before he could respond.
Despite the uncertainty, Pyfer was confident that he felt the tap and knew it wasn’t a punch. He chose to continue the submission, explaining, “There’s a good reason there’s a ref in there, I’m not letting go.” Pyfer believed that if he had released the hold, Alhassan would have denied tapping and continued the fight. He recognized the little taps and decided to ensure Alhassan went to sleep, rather than risking him denying the submission.
Prior to the submission, Pyfer executed a spectacular slam that amazed the audience. Known for his heavy hands and first-round knockouts, Pyfer demonstrated another aspect of his game against Alhassan. Although the arm-triangle choke is a favorite move for Pyfer, this was his first professional victory with it. He had drilled the technique extensively during training camp, and when he noticed the opportunity after the takedown, he seized it.
With five consecutive wins under his belt, Pyfer is quickly ascending the rankings. Despite struggling with injuries between fights, he remained determined to face Alhassan. Pyfer expressed his satisfaction with the victory and securing a submission win, demonstrating his versatility in finishing fights. He is eager to continue showcasing his skills and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.